Richard Merrill Blake

Boston, MA - Richard Merrill Blake, of Boston, passed away surrounded by his loving family and friends, on Monday, December 9, 2024, at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, MA. He fought his cancer with incredible courage and unwavering hope. He was 53 years old. Born in Portsmouth on June 9, 1971, Richard was the son of the late Merrill Hollis Blake and Joyce Lynn Greenwood. Richard was raised in Colebrook and Hampton, NH, he attended Winnacunnet High School and graduated in1989. He studied at Tulane University before moving to Laguna Beach, and later San Francisco, CA. He worked for the Kimpton Hotel Group for many years before returning to the Northeast, settling in Boston, where he has lived for the past 25 years. He was fascinated by history and would often use resources from National Archives to local libraries to explore the Blake family's ancestry, and enthusiastically report his findings to family and friends. Richard was very proud to be a descendant of Jasper Blake who fought in the Revolutionary War. He had a great love for animals, particularly his beloved dogs, Kayla and Grace, whom he cherished and spoiled at any opportunity. Richard was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Kelly Blake Cass. He is survived by his sister, Lisa Washburn and her husband Craig of Colebrook, NH, his brother Merrill Blake and his wife Leanne of Westminster, MA, and his nephew Jeremy. He also leaves behind his aunts, uncles, and many loving cousins. Richard will be affectionately remembered for his infectious laugh, sharp wit, intelligence, and his ability to make those around him smile. His optimistic spirit and warmth will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to Amanda, Richard’s friend and caregiver, for her loving support and care during the past year, as well as to his medical teams from Massachusetts General Hospital and Tufts Medicine, especially Dr. Laura. A private graveside service will be held at the High Street Cemetery, Hampton, NH. We invite friends to come and celebrate the life of Richard Merrill Blake on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at The Patenaude’s, 1 River Road, Hampton Falls, NH 03844. Please RSVP if you will be attending by May 28th k.patenaude@comcast.net In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation online in Richard’s memory to the NHSPCA and the MSPCA or by mail,: New Hampshire SPCA PO Box 196 104 Portsmouth Avenue Stratham, NH 03885 and Massachusetts SPCA 350 South Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02130

Richard Merrill Blake

June 9, 1971 - December 9, 2024